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RESEARCH AND
INNOVATION NEWS
AT TEAGASC
www.teagasc.ie
Research Volume 13: Number 4. Winter 2018
ISSN 1649-8917
BACTERIOPHAGES IN
FOOD PRODUCTION
NEXT-GENERATION VACCINES
VISTAMILK
NUTRITIONAL MODELLING
CONTENTS
Editorial 3
News 4
Features
Walsh Fellowships Programme Winners 2018 8
Next-generation vaccine design 10
Harnessing the power of agricultural microbiomes 12
Food unwrapped 14
VistaMilk 16
How much do farmers move? 18
Strengthening impact from research 20
Animal and Grassland Research and
Innovation (AGRI)
Innovative bull production systems 22
10 14 16 and beef quality
Nutritional modeling – the next frontier 24
for Irish pasture-based systems
Labour and stress issues on farms: a review
of spring 2018 26
The animal health implications of 28
contract heifer rearing
Crops, Environment and Land Use (CELU)
Technology acceptance in 30
nutrient management
30 34 36 Food
Bacteriophages for environmental 32
decontamination in food production
Ensuring the safety of mushrooms 34
The benefits of eating oily fish 36
Rural Economy and Development (RED)
Be social! Connect with Teagasc Energy in, carbon out 38
Events 40
TResearch is an official science publication of Teagasc. It aims EDITOR Catriona Boyle 076 111 1219 Reference to any commercial product or service is made with the understanding
to disseminate the results of the organisation’s research to a catriona.boyle@teagasc.ie that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by Teagasc is implied.
broad audience. The opinions expressed in the magazine are,
ADMINISTRATOR Ann Kane
however, those of the authors and cannot be construed as
ann.kane@teagasc.ie
reflecting Teagasc’s views. The Editor reserves the right to edit TResearch Teagasc,
Oak Park, Carlow, R93 XE12
Th!nkMedia
all copy submitted to the publication. EDITORIAL STEERING GROUP
Catriona Boyle Stephen Butler Michael Diskin Published on behalf of Teagasc by
www.teagasc.ie Eric Donald Niall Farrelly Helen Grogan The Malthouse, 537 NCR,
© Articles and images cannot be reproduced without the Tim Guinee Richard Hackett Ann-Marie Hardiman Dublin 1, D01 V822.
prior written consent of the Editor. Please note images may Anne Kinsella Gary Lanigan Sinéad McCarthy T: 01 856 1166 E: ann-marie@thinkmedia.ie www.thinkmedia.ie
have been obtained from an independent source. Please Paul O'Grady Edward O’Riordan Brijesh Tiwari Design: Tony Byrne, Tom Cullen and Niamh Short
quote TResearch when using direct quotes from articles. Declan Troy Miriam Walsh Editorial: Ann-Marie Hardiman, Paul O’Grady and Colm Quinn
2 TRESEARCH | WINTER 2018 | VOLUME 13 : NUMBER 4
EDITORIAL
The importance of Science An tábhacht a bhaineann leis
Week and science an tSeachtain Eolaíochta agus
communication le cumarsáid eolaíochta
There are many opportunities and challenges facing society. We are Tá lear deiseanna agus dúshlán os comhair na sochaí sa lá atá inniu
(thankfully) living longer, which challenges the medical community ann. Bímid ag maireachtáil saol níos faide (ar an dea-uair), rud a
in relation to care of the elderly and age-related diseases. We have leagann dúshlán ar an bpobal leighis maidir le cúram a thabhairt do
pressure on natural resources, and climate change is one of the dhaoine scothaosta agus le déileáil le galair a bhaineann le haois. Tá ár
great challenges of our time. In our own domain of agri-food, food n-acmhainní nádúrtha faoi bhrú, agus tá an t-athrú aeráide ar cheann
security, the relationship between diet and health, and de mhórdhúshláin ar linne. I réimse an agraibhia, an réimse ina n-
environmental concerns are major issues. Science and technology oibrímidne, is mór-shaincheisteanna iad slándáil bia, an gaol idir réim
has a huge role to play in these societal issues. However, at a time bia agus an tsláinte, agus ceisteanna comhshaoil. Tá ról ollmhór le
when the need for science and technology is arguably at its himirt sna saincheisteanna sochaíocha sin ag an eolaíocht agus ag an
greatest, there is a high level of distrust or scepticism among the teicneolaíocht. Is amhlaidh, áfach, sa ré seo inar féidir a rá go
general public about science. To counteract this, scientists need to dteastaíonn an eolaíocht agus an teicneolaíocht níos mó ná am ar bith
communicate more and better about how science can help society. riamh, go bhfuil méid mór amhrais nó sceipteachais ann i measc an
Thus, the importance of Science Week, where science is firmly on phobail i gcoitinne faoin eolaíocht. Chun gníomhú ina aghaidh sin, ní
the national agenda. Teagasc staff engage enthusiastically in mór d’eolaithe cumarsáid níos mó níos fearr a dhéanamh leis an bpobal
Science Week, whether it is by organising events at our research ar na dóigheanna ar féidir leis an eolaíocht cabhrú leis an tsochaí. Dá
centres and colleges, organising and speaking at events organised bhrí sin, is ríthábhachtach atá an tSeachtain Eolaíochta, ar lena linn a
elsewhere, or appearing on radio and TV, etc. It is a fantastic dhíríonn muintir na tíre ar an eolaíocht. Glacann foireann Teagasc páirt
opportunity to get the attention of the public in a positive way. ghníomhach sa tSeachtain Eolaíochta trí ócáidí a eagrú inár n-ionaid
This year we had 1,700 people attending 13 events that we taighde agus inár gcoláistí, trí ócáidí a eagrú in áit eile, trí labhairt ag
organised as part of the ‘Festival of Farming and Food – SFI Science ócáidí a eagraítear in áit eile agus trí labhairt ar an raidió agus ar an
Week at Teagasc’, one of 12 SFI-funded regional festivals. Of course teilifís, i measc nithe eile. Is deis iontach í aird an phobail a tharraingt
science communication continues all year round, and it is ar bhealach dearfach. I mbliana, d’fhreastail 1,700 duine ar 13 ócáid a
important that all scientists recognise the need to communicate d’eagraíomar mar chuid de ‘Féile na Feirmeoireachta agus an Bhia –
about their work. Obviously, communication to the end users of Seachtain Eolaíochta Fhondúireacht Eolaíochta Éireann in Teagasc’, a
our science – farmers, food companies, policy makers, etc., is of bhí ar cheann amháin de 12 fhéile réigiúnacha ar mhaoinigh an
most importance to an applied research organisation like Teagasc. Fhondúireacht iad. Ar ndóigh, bíonn cumarsáid eolaíochta ar siúl fud
General science communication is also important for the reasons fad na bliana agus tá sé tábhachtach go n-aithníonn gach eolaí gur gá
outlined above, and it also encourages school children to pursue dóibh a gcuid oibre a chur in iúl. Dar ndóigh, baineann ríthábhacht
careers in science, and helps to build the reputation of the d’eagraíocht taighde fheidhmigh amhail Teagasc le cumarsáid le
individual and the organisation they work for. In an age when húsáideoirí deiridh ár n-eolaíochta, mar atá feirmeoirí, cuideachtaí bia
information is all around us, effective communication has never agus déantóirí beartas, i measc úsáideoirí eile. Is tábhachtach freisin ar
been more important. na cúiseanna thuas atá cumarsáid eolaíochta ginearálta mar go
dtugann sí spreagadh do leanaí scoile gabháil do ghairmeacha san
eolaíocht agus mar go gcabhraíonn sí le clú an duine aonair agus na
heagraíochta a n-oibríonn an duine sin di a bhreisiú. Is tábhachtaí anois
ná riamh sa ré seo ina bhfuil faisnéis le fáil mórthimpeall orainn atá
cumarsáid éifeachtach.
Frank O’Mara Frank O’Mara
Director of Research Stiúrthóir Taighde
TRESEARCH | WINTER 2018 | VOLUME 13 : NUMBER 4 3
NEWS
Teagasc researchers in highly cited list
Five Teagasc researchers have been included in the global Highly examines the microbiology and microbiomes of food. Orla is a
Cited Researchers list for 2018. The list highlights influential Research Officer and is particularly interested in the role of
researchers as determined by their peers around the globe. exercise and diet, specifically whey protein, on the human gut
This list is compiled based on high citation counts over a decade. microbiome. Catherine’s research includes nutritional aspects of
The Teagasc researchers on the list are: Paul Allen; Paul Cotter; dairy and functional foods, infant gut microbiota, and healthy
Orla O’Sullivan; Catherine Stanton; and, Brijesh Tiwari. proteins and fats that are produced by gut bacteria. Brijesh works
Paul Allen is a retired Principal Research Officer whose research on the application of novel food processing, and extraction and
interests covered a range of cutting-edge approaches to preservation technologies, among other topics.
important meat research challenges. In total, 33 Irish researchers feature in the 2018 list. The full
Paul Cotter is Head of the Department of Food Biosciences at Highly Cited Researchers 2018 list and executive summary can be
Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, and his research found online at https://clarivate.com/hcr/.
Paul Allen Paul Cotter Orla O’Sullivan Catherine Stanton Brijesh Tiwari
Researcher profile Carlos Álvarez
blood. After submitting his thesis in in sports nutrition, for the processors. He is currently the
2012, Carlos collaborated with biomedical industry, and even as project manager in a strategic
local industries developing new raw material for innovative partnership project with Uruguay,
protein-enriched products. In 2014 biomaterials. In this regard, a Spain and New Zealand, aiming to
he joined Teagasc as a post- patent is being filed dealing with a optimise smart dry-ageing
doctoral researcher on the novel process to make protein- protocols for primal meat cuts. In
NutraMara project at Ashtown, based films with improved addition, he is actively
where novel extraction processes mechanical properties. collaborating at national and
were implemented to recover In February 2018 Carlos was international level, with both
proteins from both fish by-products appointed to a permanent research academia and industry, on food
and seaweeds. As a result, a position in the meat research waste reduction and food co-
Carlos is a Research Officer in the European patent was filed, which is programme, where his focus is on products reutilisation.
Food Quality and Sensory Science currently being transferred to Irish understanding the impact of post- Carlos’ hometown, Villablino in the
Department at Teagasc Ashtown industry. mortem interventions on muscle Laciana Valley in Spain, is
Food Research Centre in Dublin. Subsequent to this he commenced biochemistry and its impact on recognised as one of the most
After completing his BSc in Biology as a Research Officer on the meat quality. He is also involved in beautiful places for bear and
in the University of Oviedo (Spain), ReValue Protein project. Key Meat Technology Ireland (MTI), wildlife observation. Carlos is
Carlos started his PhD in the same outcomes from this project include specifically in RP2, dealing with currently the Social Club chairman
university, working in the the development of tailored meat tenderness and applying and the acoustic guitar player in
revalorisation and modification of processes to recover high-quality scientific information to guide meat the First Authors, the Teagasc
proteins recovered from pork protein for use as food ingredient management systems for Irish Ashtown resident band.
4 TRESEARCH | WINTER 2018 | VOLUME 13 : NUMBER 4
NEWS
Cork Discovers
THE TEAGASC WALSH
On European Researchers’ Night on September 28, the theme of events
running across Ireland’s second city was Cork Discovers. In UCC on the FELLOWSHIPS PROGRAMME
night, Teagasc researchers helped the public explore the inside of food Postgraduate research in agriculture
using virtual reality, explained what makes the perfect crisp and and food areas
investigated the evolution of food crops over the millenia. Teagasc’s
involvement on the night was co-ordinated by Orlaith Ní Choncubhair,
Research Support Department, Teagasc.
Cork’s science enthusiasts went on a journey of exploration inside our food
and also inside Teagasc food labs using virtual reality and 360-degree
videography, led by Deirdre Kennedy, Vinay Mishra and Duanquan Lin,
Teagasc Moorepark Food Research Centre.
Cereal renaissance in rural Europe
Representatives from 11 EU countries met in Galway in November to
discuss novel, practical ways to support the cultivation and market
promotion of heritage cereals. Lead researcher for Teagasc, Áine Macken-
Walsh, highlighted the importance of sharing different forms of expertise
for successfully establishing heritage cereals: “Consumer insights,
practical production knowledge, science and business acumen are crucial
for small producers to successfully bring new products to the market.
Our role in CERERE has practically facilitated that sharing of expertise to
happen – it’s a highly social process”.
From left: Áine Macken-Walsh, Bridin McIntyre, John Hyland, and Maeve
Henchion, all from Teagasc’s Rural Economy and Development Programme,
are pictured at the general meeting of the Cereal Renaissance in Rural Europe
(CERERE) Horizon 2020 consortium in Galway recently.
TRESEARCH | WINTER 2018 | VOLUME 13 : NUMBER 4 5
NEWS
A week of science success
Science Week took place from November 11-18 and, once again,
Teagasc was in the thick of the action, running a host of events for all
ages across the country. 60 Minute Science was presented by RTÉ
broadcaster Rick O’Shea in Kilkenny, and celebrated the local science of
the area. In the Teagasc Ashtown Research Centre, A Slice of Science
answered some simple-sounding questions with interesting answers,
such as “How do we use our senses to relate to food?” In the National
Botanic Gardens (see photo on right), people learned about the
extraordinary ways plant breeding interacts with food production. The
public took part in interactive lab sessions, learned about local
sustainable food production, and had the unique opportunity to visit
the National Herbarium, which is not usually open to the public, and Oak Park, second- and third-level students learned the science behind
contains a collection of more than half a million dried and documented cereal production, while in Teagasc Athenry, they saw demonstrations
plant specimens from Ireland and the rest of the world. and exhibits on animal science, sheep breeds and grassland research.
Teagasc Science Week events also catered for students in primary, During Science Week, a new Teagasc booklet, ‘Love Food, Love
secondary and third-level education. In Johnstown Castle in Wexford, Science’, was launched. The booklet covers a range of topics that are
primary and secondary school students were invited to see the work of affecting food production and that scientists are exploring from an
some of the scientists there. In Teagasc Grange, Co. Meath, students antimicrobial resistance, virtual reality and genetics perspective. The
learned about the link between healthy animals and healthy food, and publication is available on the Teagasc website at:
in Moorepark, Co. Cork, the exciting world of new technologies in https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/publications/2018/Teagasc-
food science was explored by secondary school students. At Teagasc Love-Food-Love-Science-2018.pdf.
Microbe mom Food Innovation Gateways
A new initiative aimed at discovering the most likely methods of transfer
of vital bacteria strains from mother to baby was launched in October by
the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Michael Creed, TD.
Bifidobacteria are the main bacteria that nature selects for the newborn
gut and have been shown to play a key role in programming the
metabolism and immune system. The programme will also explore the
impact of the mother’s diet and health on her gut bacteria and what
bacteria she transfers to her baby at birth, and also the impact of specific
probiotic supplements on the mother’s health. The project is a joint
venture between Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Research Centre APC
Microbiome Ireland in Teagasc, Alimentary Health Group, UCD and the
National Institute of Biotechnology Research and Training (NIBRT).
Pictured at the robotics stand at the Teagasc Food Innovation Gateways event
on ‘Food Structure – Formation, Functionality & the Future’ in the Teagasc
Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, are (from left): Mark
Fenelon, Teagasc Head of Food Programme; Sally Gras, University of
Pictured at the launch are (from left): Grace O’Callaghan, APC Microbiome Ireland, Melbourne; and, Declan Troy, Assistant Director of Research, Teagasc. Teagasc
Teagasc; Conor Feehily, Teagasc; Aisling Geraghty, UCD Perinatal Research Centre; is using robotics to develop a platform for the measurement of the rehydration
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Michael Creed, TD; Paul Cotter, properties of powders. A seven-axis robot mimics the movements that
Teagasc and APC Microbiome Ireland; Radka Fahey, NIBRT; Douwe van Sinderen, humans use to reconstitute powders, such as milk powders. The robot enables
APC Microbiome Ireland, UCC; Eileen Murphy, Technical Director, Alimentary controlled rehydration of the powder consistently across batches of products,
Health Group; and, Sally Cudmore, APC Microbiome Ireland, UCC. facilitating measurements free from variability due to human intervention.
6 TRESEARCH | WINTER 2018 | VOLUME 13 : NUMBER 4
NEWS
10 Things to Know About… Carlow Rooster Festival
Teagasc researchers featured on two episodes of the television The Carlow Rooster Festival took place in October and celebrated one
series ‘10 Things to Know About …’ broadcast on RTÉ One of Ireland’s favourite potato varieties. Hundreds of school students
recently. Technology is driving a revolution in precision visited Teagasc Oak Park to learn more about potatoes. The three-day
agriculture and Teagasc’s Dermot Forristal and farmer Kevin festival coincided with National Potato Day and events took place
Nolan appeared on the programme to show off a satellite- around Carlow. Schools from across Munster and Leinster descended
controlled smart tractor. on Oak Park and researchers took them through potato breeding,
As Dermot explained, smart tractors can make farmers’ jobs easier production, old and new farm machinery and farm safety. The
but in the not-too-distant future, there may not need to be a Rooster potato was first bred by Teagasc potato breeder Harry Keogh
farmer behind the wheel at all as autonomous vehicles continue and can now be found in almost every supermarket in Ireland. On the
to improve. Dermot says with satellite positioning and other Saturday of the festival, Oak Park opened its doors for a free family
technology the future of farming will look very different but more fun day where children and parents picked their own potatoes and
productive, and will allow farmers to “apply inputs much more competed for a €500 prize, took guided tours of Oak Park house and
accurately than before. With developments in this technology, we enjoyed cooking demonstrations by local chef Edward Hayden. All
will manage every square metre in a field individually, accounting proceeds raised on the Saturday went to the charity Embrace FARM,
for soil, crop and grass variability, rather than the one-size-fits-all which supports both the survivors of farm accidents and bereaved
approach of today”. In another episode, presenter Aoibhinn Ní family members.
Shúilleabháin met Sara Vero and David Wall at Teagasc’s Soil
Research Centre in Wexford to find out about some of the 213
different types of soil we have in Ireland.
Digging a cross section into the ground, they discussed the
conditions that soil needs to thrive and feed the planet, the
problems created from compaction, and the crucial role
earthworms play in running a healthy farm.
According to Sara Vero: “Soil provides multiple services to our
environment and is the crucial foundation of Irish agriculture.
Ireland has a fantastic resource in our Soil Information System,
which includes a national soil map at 1:250,000 scale, and we are
building on this data to improve the specificity of agronomic
advice and environmental policy”. Pictured at the launch of the Festival are (from left) front row: Gerry Boyle,
This episode also featured Fiona Brennan and Aoife Duff, who are Director of Teagasc; Frank O’Mara, Director of Research, Teagasc; Denis
conducting DNA analysis to investigate how the microbiology Griffin, Teagasc potato breeder and researcher; Derek Shannon, County
and nutrient cycles driven by microbes in the soil are impacted by Carlow Chamber; and, Yvonne O’Toole, President, County Carlow Chamber.
the structure, drainage, and the farming practices above the Back row: Brian O’Farrell, CEO, County Carlow Chamber; John J. Hogan,
ground. Farm Manager, Teagasc Oak Park; John Spink, Head of Crops, Environment
and Land Use Programme, Teagasc; Michael Hennessy, Head of Crops
Knowledge Transfer, Teagasc; and, Shay Phelan, Tillage and Potato
Specialist, Teagasc.
Munster Maths and Science Family Fair
Teagasc recently participated in the 8th Annual Munster Maths and
Science Family Fair in Mallow, which attracted over 5,000 attendees.
Phoebe Hartnett from the Teagasc Pig Department and Natasha
Browne from the dairy research team discussed Teagasc’s work to
improve pig and dairy cow performance and welfare. A range of the
modern technologies were on show to demonstrate the science
behind animal production. Sheila Morgan and Grace O'Callaghan
discussed the Food Research Programme, while Teagasc foresters
Dermot Forristal, Teagasc Crops Research Centre, Oak Park, Carlow, Richard Walsh and John Casey outlined how trees intersect with our
with presenter Kathriona Devereaux experiencing the future of farming
daily lives, from the new ‘living lab’ provided by the Mallow
inside a satellite-controlled smart tractor on RTÉ’s ‘10 Things to
NeighbourWood project to ‘where does your hurley come from’?
Know About ... Space’.
TRESEARCH | WINTER 2018 | VOLUME 13 : NUMBER 4 7
FEATURE
Walsh Fellowships Programme
winners 2018
This year’s Walsh Fellowship seminar celebrated the 25th anniversary
of the Teagasc postgraduate Programme.
The Teagasc Walsh Fellowships Programme is a postgraduate known as mushroom virus X (MVX). Not much is understood about
programme offering fellowships to graduates to undertake research the interaction between these viruses and the mushroom host or
in agriculture, food, environmental science, agri-food economics, how they cause damaging symptoms, such as the brown and poor-
rural development, horticulture, and other related disciplines. The quality mushrooms associated with Agaricus bisporus virus 16. To
programme has grown significantly over the years; there are advance our knowledge in this area, my research examines the gene
currently 280 Walsh Fellows, with an annual investment of €6m. You expression and protein synthesis response of five different strains of
can read more about the programme and some of the alumni in the A. bisporus when infected with viruses in a semi-commercial setting.
publication ‘Celebrating 25 years of Postgraduate agri-food research The results of this work will inform international breeding research in
1993-2018’ included with this issue of TResearch. Each year Teagasc the development of virus-resistant mushroom strains that would
organises a seminar to provide Walsh Fellowship students in their reduce losses caused by viruses in the future.
final year with the opportunity to communicate and present their
research to a general audience, and network with academics and Áine O’Brien
researchers in the agri-food industry. This year we held a competition Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation
in each of the programme areas and the best student was selected Programme Winner
to go forward to the annual seminar in Johnstown Castle. We would Áine is based at Teagasc Moorepark and is supervised by Donagh
like to thank all of the Walsh Fellows who participated in the Berry, Teagasc, and Seán Fair, University of Limerick. Thesis title:
competition and congratulate each of the winners, who have ‘Genetics and genomics of performance in a multi-breed Irish
provided a brief description of their research below. For more sheep population’.
information on the Teagasc Walsh Fellowships Programme and the Breeding goals, whatever the species, must include all traits of
opportunities available, see www.teagasc.ie. importance; moreover, accurate differentiation of genetically elite
from inferior individuals is paramount. The objective of this thesis
Eoin O’Connor was to develop and deploy the statistical know-how and pipelines for
accurate genetic evaluations, using sheep health as a test case. Three
Crops, Environment and Land Use Programme
health traits were considered (dagginess, lameness and mastitis) and
Overall Winner of the Walsh Fellowships Seminar
it was concluded that up to 15% of the variability in these traits was
Eoin is based at Teagasc Ashtown, and is supervised by Helen
due to inter-animal genetic differences. Mathematical strategies
Grogan, Teagasc, and David Fitzpatrick, Maynooth University. Thesis
underpinned the construction of a bespoke Irish sheep genotyping
title: ‘Genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic analyses of A. bisporus
platform, created to fulfil multiple purposes, while retaining the
strains showing some resistance/tolerance to mushroom virus X’.
accolade of the lowest-cost medium-density sheep genotype
The mushroom industry is Ireland’s largest horticulture sector, with
exports worth over €100m. Since the early 2000s, mushroom
platform globally. Results contributed to the now-deployed national
sheep health index and a low-cost medium-density genotype
production has been negatively impacted by a collection of viruses platform, optimised for Ireland, but available worldwide.
8 TRESEARCH | WINTER 2018 | VOLUME 13 : NUMBER 4
Eoin O’Connor, Áine O Brien. Orla Power.
overall winner.
Sharon Ní Bheoláin of RTÉ with Amy Connolly. Amar Daxini.
Teagasc Director Gerry Boyle.
Orla Power policy makers can use this information to inform initiatives designed
Food Programme Winner and Winner of the IFSTI Medal to encourage further use of nutrient management planning and
Orla is based at Teagasc Moorepark and is supervised by Noel further target such initiatives where appropriate.
McCarthy, Teagasc, and James O’Mahony, UCC. Thesis title: ‘The
effect of drying parameters and composition on hydration Amy Connolly
characteristics of high-protein dairy powders’. Knowledge Transfer Programme Winner
High-protein milk powders are of great commercial importance to Amy is based at the Teagasc Advisory Office in Moorepark and is
the Irish dairy industry. However, they are not readily soluble, which supervised by Pat Murphy, Teagasc, and Anne Markey, UCD. Thesis
results in flecking in rehydrated products. Adding calcium chelators title: ‘Using nutrient management plans (NMPs) to deliver soil
to high-protein powders increases protein solubility; however, there fertility advice’.
is a significant increase in viscosity. This causes fouling in membrane NMP Online is a system developed by Teagasc to create NMPs for
filtration systems and spray dryers, resulting in plant downtime and environmental and regulatory purposes. My research involves an
financial loss. We employed transglutaminase to enzymatically analysis of the system using focus groups and interviews. The main
crosslink milk proteins. This modification resulted in lower viscosity objectives are to determine the attitudes, opinions and impediments
products, improved rehydration behaviour and contributed to to the use of NMP Online by advisors and farmers, and to develop
retaining the milk’s whiteness. This work addressed key concerns future requirements. Food Harvest 2020 and Food Wise 2025 both
associated with high-protein powders through cost-effective, identified nutrient management as an area that needs to be
industrially applicable means, while maintaining protein structure improved. At the last renewal of our nitrates derogation, EU
and lending insight into protein interactions with calcium chelators. Commission officials raised concerns about our water quality.
Nutrient management on farms must be improved through nutrient
Amar Daxini management planning to try to improve our water quality, as our
Rural Economy and Development Programme Winner nitrates derogation will be at risk otherwise. If we improve the
Amar is based at Teagasc Athenry and is supervised by Mary Ryan, system, we should improve the NMPs produced and nutrient
Teagasc, and Andrew Barnes, Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC). management overall.
Thesis title: ‘Understanding farmer decision making in relation to
nutrient management planning to improve knowledge transfer Author
methodologies’. Jane Kavanagh
My research aims to understand the factors that influence farmers to Head of Research Operations, Teagasc, Oak Park, Carlow
adopt and use nutrient management planning practices. In jane.kavanagh@teagasc.ie
particular, I am interested in the use of soil test results and nutrient
management plans (NMPs) to inform nutrient management
decisions on farm. Use of such practices has been proven to have
benefits in terms of the environment but also in terms of profitability.
However, adoption remains below expectations across all farm
systems both in Ireland and globally. By understanding such factors,
TRESEARCH | WINTER 2018 | VOLUME 13 : NUMBER 4 9
FEATURE Next-generation vaccine design A novel vaccination strategy targeting DNA sensors to overcome deficit in cellular immunity in neonatal calves was the winner of the 2017 TEAGASC invention of the year awards. The Teagasc invention of the year awards, as part of the annual Innovative activity from research Bridge Network consortium commercialisation awards Inventions are an important measure of innovative activity from (comprising the technology transfer offices (TTOs) of Teagasc, research, and invention reporting is an important mechanism University College Cork, Cork Institute of Technology and used within research-performing organisations such as Teagasc to Institute of Technology Tralee), recently took place at University capture such novel intellectual property (IP) for technical and College Cork. Multiple inventions were submitted to Teagasc commercial assessment. This allows the TTOs to assess these TTO in 2017, and from these, two finalists were selected: Kieran inventions/developments for patentability and commercial value, Meade (and Trinity College Dublin collaborators) for their ‘Novel but also to capture non-patentable outputs and discoveries, vaccination strategy targeting DNA sensors to overcome deficit including new software, databases and valuable know-how. This is in cellular immunity in neonatal calves’ invention; and, Carlos a critical first step in the technology transfer process, where such Alvarez and Anne Maria Mullen (and collaborators) for their IP may then be protected, thereby facilitating its exploitation by ‘Procedure to generate transparent, edible and insoluble industry through the licensing or assignment of the IP. biofilms’ invention. Kieran’s invention was announced as the winner on the evening. The winner was selected by an external Novel vaccine adjuvants judging panel following a presentation by both finalists, and This invention was developed during a Teagasc-funded Walsh Kieran was presented with the award at the ceremony, on behalf Fellowship project entitled ‘Development of novel of his team. immunostimulators to boost the immune response in cattle’, in 10 TRESEARCH | WINTER 2018 | VOLUME 13 : NUMBER 4
FEATURE
they can generate a type of immunity that is not appropriate for the
specific disease-causing agent it is designed to protect against.
New adjuvant strategy
This invention involves devising a new adjuvant strategy in bovine
cells to do two things: activate the enhanced cellular immunity
(rather than just antibodies) required for optimal protection; and,
activate innate immune cells to overcome some of the limitations of
an underdeveloped adaptive immune system present in young
calves. This strategy, known as ‘training innate immunity’, is a very
novel concept in immunology. It is anticipated that this new
adjuvant strategy would improve the efficacy of current-generation
Pictured at the Teagasc invention of the year awards (from left): Carlos Alvarez
vaccines, as well as contributing to the tailored design of next-
(researcher-finalist); Kieran Meade (winner); Miriam Walsh (Teagasc TTO);
generation vaccines. Newer sub-unit vaccines (which contain a
Anne Maria Mullen (researcher-finalist); and, Sharon Sheahan (Teagasc TTO).
component of the bacterial or viral pathogens, rather than the whole
collaboration with Trinity College Dublin (TCD). It has resulted in a organism) are a safer but less immunogenic design, which therefore
joint Teagasc–TCD patent application filed in 2018, entitled ‘Novel rely heavily on the adjuvant to drive the formation of memory cells
vaccine adjuvants’, and includes co-inventors Ed Lavelle from TCD and thereby reduce the need for repeated booster vaccinations. The
and then PhD student Ciaran Harte. Given that vaccines hold ability to drive specific protective immune outcomes through the
tremendous potential for reducing the global impact of disease in rational adjuvant-mediated targeting of specific cellular pathways
humans and animals, this project, which focuses on solutions to has enormous relevance, particularly in activating the immune
boost the immune response in cattle through vaccine development, system in young stock, and this innovation could have potential
aligns well with Teagasc’s mission and Food Wise 2025 objectives, utility for vaccine design in other livestock species.
namely, to develop new strategies to reduce the burden of disease
on farm and to help secure the sustainability of the livestock sector Human and animal applications
and the safety of the food chain. While the Teagasc–TCD collaboration focused on research into
neonatal calves, TCD independently developed a similar technology
with applications for human health. For this reason, Teagasc and
The partner TTOs are currently TCD bundled the IP to file a stronger patent application covering
human and animal applications. The partner TTOs are currently
working to target existing human and working to target existing human and animal vaccine producers,
with a view to further developing and licensing this technology for
animal vaccine producers, with a view commercialisation purposes in both veterinary and human
to further developing and licensing therapeutic fields, while the researchers are considering further
research funding opportunities.
this technology for commercialisation
Authors
purposes in both veterinary and Kieran Meade
Principal Animal Health Bioscientist, Animal and Biosciences
human therapeutic fields, while the Department, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre,
Grange, Dunsany, Co. Meath
researchers are considering further Correspondence: kieran.meade@teagasc.ie
research funding opportunities. Miriam Walsh
Head of Intellectual Property, Teagasc Technology Transfer Office,
Components of vaccines Oak Park, Carlow
At a basic level, most vaccines consist of two components – an
antigen and an adjuvant. The antigen is the bacteria or virus that the
vaccine is designed to protect against, whereas the adjuvant acts to
amplify the immune response to ensure the long-lived cellular
memory that is critical for a successful vaccine. The efficacy of
current-generation vaccines can be negatively impacted by the
presence of maternal antibodies, which inactivate the vaccine, or
TRESEARCH | WINTER 2018 | VOLUME 13 : NUMBER 4 11FEATURE
Harnessing the power
of agricultural microbiomes
TEAGASC researchers recently hosted an international conference, entitled
‘Microbiomes Underpinning Agriculture’, that focused on the diverse roles
played by microorganisms in agricultural systems, and on exploring what
microbiome research can offer to agriculture.
Microorganisms are of fundamental importance to agricultural essential to system health, sustainability and productivity. An
and food production systems; however, despite their enhanced understanding of these agricultural microbiomes will
significance, our understanding of how they function remains provide opportunities towards managing agricultural systems in
limited. New technologies enable researchers to better a manner that harnesses the natural power of microbes to
understand these organisms and exploit knowledge gained provide solutions to global challenges of food safety and
within agriculture. security, resource limitation and climate change, and move
towards more efficient and sustainable food production systems.
Understanding agricultural microbiomes Up until relatively recently, insights into these complex microbial
Microorganisms play a critical role in agriculture, representing a communities have been limited. However, the advent of novel
key resource that underpins the agri-food sector. Soils, plants molecular technologies has transformed this field, making it
and animals all have a unique microbiome (the community of possible to study microbiomes in greater depth than ever before
microorganisms living together in a given habitat) and these through DNA, RNA or protein analysis. This can tell us which
agricultural microbiomes perform an array of pivotal functions microorganisms are present and what they are capable of doing.
12 TRESEARCH | WINTER 2018 | VOLUME 13 : NUMBER 4FEATURE
Soil microbiomes Animal microbiomes
Soil microorganisms are critically important to agriculture, food Animal microbiomes underpin livestock production. Ruminant
production, and climate regulation. They are the engine of animals lack the ability to digest herbage, relying instead on
nutrient cycling in soils, playing an active role in soil fertility and microorganisms within the rumen to ferment cellulose, and
nutrient provision to plants. The microbes in soil and on plant other plant components, into compounds that the ruminant can
roots provide essential nutrients, vitamins and hormones to utilise for energy, and subsequently milk and meat production.
plants, and prevent pathogen invasion. Greenhouse gases result Certain microbes are capable of influencing ruminant
from microbial processes and understanding their function is key performance by altering rumen fermentation and outcompeting
to reducing gaseous emissions that contribute to climate harmful pathogens. Populations of rumen microbes differ
change. Research efforts on the soil microbiome are focused on between animals, providing the opportunity to breed cattle for
determining the impact of management, environmental and desirable microbiome traits such as improved feed efficiency,
climatic factors on the soil microbiome, and informing soil health and reduced environmental output. Exploiting this
management so as to promote soil health, match nutrient unique symbiotic relationship is key to sustainably meeting the
availability to plant requirements, and harness the soil immune growing demand for animal-based proteins, while reducing the
response to suppress pests and diseases. Knowledge of the soil ruminant contribution to global methane production. Current
microbiome is central to the development of sustainable research is focused on better understanding the role of the host
agricultural systems by enabling a reduction in nutrient losses to animal in regulating the rumen microbiome, as well as the
the environment, increasing carbon sequestration, reducing impact of diet and prebiotics on rumen function and animal
agricultural inputs, and increasing the resilience of crops to performance.
extreme weather events.
Acknowledgements
Plant microbiomes This conference was part of the Microbiology Society’s series of
While it is generally understood that what you see above the focused meetings and we thank the Society for its invaluable
surface typically represents only half of a plant’s biomass, what support in organising this event. The conference organising
may not be so well known is that microbes co-exist on and committee was comprised of Fiona Brennan, Kaye Burgess,
within plant structures. These microbes support the plant life Fiona Crispie, Paul Cotter, Ewen Mullins, Orla O’Sullivan and
cycle, are essential for nutrient cycling and can enhance a crop’s Sinéad Waters. The contribution of Paul Smith to this article is
performance against environmental change or in withstanding acknowledged.
diseases. When it comes to food production, this is critically
important. By 2050 we need to be able to sustain a global
population of over 9.5 billion people with fewer resources while Authors
trying to combat the effects of climate change. Within the EU, Fiona Brennan
this must be achieved within the context of legislation that Soil Microbiologist, Soils and Land Use Department, Teagasc
controls the use of certain plant protection products. Using Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford
technologies that characterise a plant’s microbiome it is now Correspondence: fiona.brennan@teagasc.ie
possible to identify individual ‘crop profiles’. The research
community is actively testing such profiles to identify strains that Ewen Mullins
can be used by farmers to produce more from less: greater Principal Research Officer, Crop Science Department, Teagasc
yields with better quality but with a reduced reliance on Oak Park, Carlow
fertilisers and chemicals.
Kaye Burgess
Senior Research Officer, Food Safety Department, Teagasc Food
Soil microorganisms are critically Research Centre, Ashtown, Dublin 15
important to agriculture, food
Sinéad Waters
production, and climate regulation. Senior Research Officer, Animal and Bioscience Department,
Teagasc Grange, Co. Meath
They are the engine of nutrient
cycling in soils, playing an active
role in soil fertility and nutrient
provision to plants.
TRESEARCH | WINTER 2018 | VOLUME 13 : NUMBER 4 13FEATURE
Food Unwrapped
Airfield Estate recently ran an event entitled ‘Food Unwrapped’ as part of its
biannual Food Series.
Aiming to encourage discussion and dialogue around food on packaging material, and what you can learn from it. She
packaging and examine how consumers are influenced by highlighted that packaging contains a lot of useful information
current trends, the speakers explored a number of topics such as for the consumer; however, it can be hard to decipher, and she
how food packaging affects consumer health, what the future of went on to question the producers’ and retailers’ role in the
packaging might look like, and its environmental impact. information on packaging and their responsibility to the
consumer to be honest and open about their product. Niall
Chicken and egg spoke from a personal standpoint on the amount of packaging
Airfield Estate’s mission as an educational charity is to provoke waste we produce in our homes and workplaces, how it is
curiosity about food and trigger more conscious food choices. impacting on us all, and how we can attempt to do something
Grainne Kelliher, CEO of Airfield Estate, set the scene by about it.
demonstrating the diversity and complexity of food packaging.
Using the example of an egg, a food that has its own natural European regulation
packaging, she showed the need for responsible packaging in Anne-Marie Boland, a Senior Technical Executive in Regulatory
order to reduce breakages and therefore the wastage not just of Affairs with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, has an expertise
the egg, but of all the resources that went into creating it (212L in European and Irish food labelling legislation, and brought
of water and 159kcal of food per egg, not to mention the attention to the fact that one of the biggest challenges the
production of 264g of CO2 equivalent – roughly equal to driving consumer currently faces is the conflict that exists between our
1km). She also highlighted that she was able to purchase apples food regulators and the provision of mandatory information on
from one retailer in four different types of packaging, making it the label, and the producer who wants to promote information
almost impossible for the consumer to navigate how to that allows for effective marketing of the product. This
successfully either reduce their packaging waste or dispose of it relationship has become openly strained in recent months,
correctly. especially with regard to country of origin (which is not
compulsory to denote on packaging) and how companies have
Navigating food packaging chosen to colour and promote their product. However, the
Journalists Rose Costello (The Irish Times) and Niall Toner (The regulations are constantly being updated; for example, all health
Sunday Times) articulated how the consumer is bombarded with claims on packaging must now be backed up by research, which
information from food packaging. Rose outlined what to look for should be available to the consumer.
14 TRESEARCH | WINTER 2018 | VOLUME 13 : NUMBER 4FEATURE
Enda O’Dowd, NCAD, speaking at Food Unwrapped at Airfield Estate on the Grainne Kelliher, CEO of Airfield Estate, discussed the diversity and
future of food packaging. complexity of food packaging.
Packaging trends and recycling supply chain, the less packaging is needed (i.e., eating seasonally
The second session of the day focused on looking past current and locally will encourage less food packaging and waste).
food packaging to the packaging of the future. Colm Munnelly
from Repak spoke about how current packaging trends present Complex issue
a challenge to waste mangement companies. He outlined how The final, overriding outcomes from the day were the
all packaging is recyclable, but at a cost, and currently no one is observations that food packaging is a complex issue with many
willing to explore the cost fully to create facilities and stakeholders within its conception, construction, use and
technology to deal with the wide diversity of packaging that is removal, and that the consumer holds a pivotal role in the
produced. He also emphasised that no matter how recyclable system. Consumers must begin to demand packaging that has
and compostable the packaging is, it is ultimately up to the improved food preservation abilities while being easy to
consumer to successfully deposit the packaging into the correct compost or recycle. They should have easy access to as much
recycling stream. If the consumer chooses the wrong one, the information as possible about the product while not being
packaging is likely to end up in landfill. distracted by the marketing and, finally, they need to have the
confidence and education to successfully separate and allocate
Barcodes and fTrace packaging into the correct streams for successful end-of-life
Alan Gormley from GS1 spoke on how barcodes can help deliver recycling.
information to the consumer. GS1 is a not-for-profit standards
organisation that wants to bring traceability and transparency to Airfield Estate is a 38-acre working farm, gardens, kitchen,
consumers through a simple barcode scan. Alan spoke about education and food destination, open daily to the public and
‘fTrace’, which is a solution that can enable the consumer to educational institutions for the purpose of education and
trace their food from farm to fork, from producer to packager recreation. For more information on the speakers from the Food
and from distributor to retailer, meaning that the consumer will Unwrapped series, to view their talks and learn more about past
be able make a more informed decision about the food they conferences, please go to www.airfield.ie/food-series.
choose to buy and eat by simply scanning the product barcode.
Authors
Future of packaging Kirstie McAdoo
Enda O’Dowd, a lecturer in product design at the National College Head of Education and Research, Airfield Estate,
of Art and Design (NCAD), talked about the future of food Dundrum, Co. Dublin
packaging. He stressed the importance of allocating responsibility Correspondence: kirstie.mcadoo@airfield.ie.
with regard to waste generation and promoted the ‘polluter pays’
idea, as well as the notion that producers of packaging should
begin designing packaging with end of life in mind as well as food
preservation and marketing. He also spoke about how increasing
automation is driving producers’ choice of packaging towards less
recyclable constituents and also stressed that the shorter the
TRESEARCH | WINTER 2018 | VOLUME 13 : NUMBER 4 15FEATURE VistaMilk VistaMilk is a new Science Foundation Ireland agri-tech research centre led by TEAGASC. It will digitalise dairy production systems through the development and deployment of value-creating information and communications technology. Globally, agriculture is undergoing seismic disruptions arising and deployment of new knowledge, technologies and decision from the competing challenges of food security, the support systems to maximise the efficiency and effectiveness of environment, and societal needs. The dairy sector is not exempt the entire production chain. from this disruption as it faces a confluence of challenges including the rapidly expanding global demand for dairy VistaMilk SFI Research Centre products, the growing concern over the impact of cattle The €40m VistaMilk Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Research production on climate change, and the long-term volatility of Centre, which started in September 2018 with a team of over global dairy markets. Fortunately, the solutions to these 200 scientists, aims to be an agent of growth for the Irish dairy challenges are emerging from a parallel revolution in smart and industry by being a world leader in fundamental and precision agriculture. translational research for precision pasture-based dairying. Though the early promise of precision agriculture has arguably Internationally, the advances developed in the Centre will apply not been met, recent advances linking novel sensors, networking, to dairy systems in many countries and will be a catalyst for and data analytics technologies suggest that successful solutions global growth in the agri-tech sector. The VistaMilk SFI Research are imminent. Centre represents a unique collaboration between agri-food and For Ireland, this disruption presents major threats and information and communications technology (ICT) research opportunities, as traditional dairy production needs to quickly institutes and leading Irish/multinational food and ICT transform itself using these new technologies. Since the abolition companies. of EU milk quotas in 2015, Irish dairy farmers can, for the first The Centre, under the directorship of Donagh Berry, is hosted by time in 30 years, exploit Ireland’s international competitive Teagasc in partnership with the Tyndall National Institute advantage in milk production from low-cost grazed grass. (Ireland’s national microelectronics institute), the However, the abolition of milk quotas also exposes the sector to Telecommunications Software & Systems Group (TSSG) at global volatility in milk prices, creating a competitive Waterford Institute of Technology, the Irish Cattle Breeding environment necessitating improved farm efficiency, improved Federation and the Insight Centre for Data Analytics. The value- processor efficiency and a strategic transition to higher-value- added partnerships in the VistaMilk SFI Research Centre will go added products. The increased production in the Irish dairy beyond the state of the art in agri-tech programmes globally, sector will be achieved through expanding the national herd which tend to lack critical mass or focus on only one or, at best, a (growing at 3% per annum) but also through the development few components of the dairy production chain. 16 TRESEARCH | WINTER 2018 | VOLUME 13 : NUMBER 4
FEATURE
Innovation and sustainability ■ communications and networks: the development of efficient and
The vision of the VistaMilk SFI Research Centre is to be a world reliable end-to-end communication protocols for transporting
leader in the agri-food technology sector through innovation and information from various sensors all the way to the fog and cloud
enhanced sustainability across the dairy supply chain, positively computing infrastructure;
impacting the environment, animal well-being and consumer ■ data and data analytics: the development and application of
health. This will be achieved by greatly improving the soil-to-gut machine learning and statistical modelling techniques, across the
supply chain connectivity, thereby improving resource efficiency, dairy supply chain, to predict optimal outcomes for pasture, for
better meeting consumers’ expectations, and improving cows, and eventually for food production; and,
profitability and resilience. To achieve the vision for the Centre, ■ decision support: developing and deploying modular-based
the resources, capabilities and expertise of the partners will be decision-support resources informed by the multi-level data and
brought together, to create new innovation opportunities at the associated analytics for use by producers in the pursuit of
interface between agri-food and ICT. It will, for the first time, link consistently better performance.
the Irish agri-food industry with Ireland’s leading technology
One-stop shop
research institutes in a large-scale innovation ecosystem. The
The research programme will develop new technologies, and
opportunities that arise at the interface between agri-food and
advance existing electronic monitoring and actuation technologies,
ICT will be the basis for the competitive advantage and
to transform an already world-class dairy sector into a global leader
international reputation of the centre.
in sustainable agri-tech, specifically addressing pasture-based dairy
production, improved processability, and the generation of novel,
The VistaMilk SFI Research Centre higher-value-added products. In addition to the creation of new
sensing and actuation paradigms, particular focus will be given to
represents a unique collaboration developing state-of-the-art analytical techniques applied to large-
scale sensor datasets delivered by advanced network and
between agri-food and information and communication technologies. As well as generating novel
communications technology (ICT) knowledge-based products, the VistaMilk SFI Research Centre will be
a one-stop shop for agri-tech companies in dairying, providing
research institutes and leading research services, evaluation and integration of technologies in dairy
production. The novel combination of the expertise and critical mass
Irish/multinational food and ICT in the VistaMilk SFI Research Centre will also enhance Ireland’s
companies. international reputation as a leader in agri-tech, facilitating new
international partnerships as well as attracting new foreign direct
investment.
Research themes
To advance the state of the art in agri-food and information Acknowledgements
sciences, VistaMilk has divided the problem domain into three The VistaMilk SFI Research Centre is supported in part by a research
main thematic areas of consideration, namely: grant from Science Foundation Ireland and the Department of
■ soil and pasture: knowledge and tools to sustainably grow a Agriculture, Food and the Marine on behalf of the Government of
greater quantity of consistently higher quality herbage for Ireland under grant 16/RC/3835.
consumption by grazing cows;
Authors
■ cow: achieving a greater volume of constantly higher quality Kim Reilly
milk through scientifically supported optimised management VistaMilk SFI Research Centre Set-up Coordinator, Teagasc,
and breeding strategies; and, Ashtown, Dublin 15
■ food: developing higher-value-added dairy products for
human consumption, optimised for the predicted milk supply Donagh Berry
and quality based on predicted grass growth profiles and cow Principal Research Officer, Teagasc Animal & Grassland Research and
performance from earlier thematic areas. Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, and Director of the
VistaMilk SFI Research Centre
In addressing these areas, the centre will combine biological Correspondence: donagh.berry@teagasc.ie.
sciences with cutting-edge ICT areas:
■ sensors: the development of robust, highly sensitive sensor
infrastructure based on nano-electrochemical, spectroscopic
and/or mechanical sensors integrated with control electronics,
firmware, edge computing data analytics and data
communications;
TRESEARCH | WINTER 2018 | VOLUME 13 : NUMBER 4 17You can also read
